Parents' Guide to

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

By Rachael Ward, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Outstanding anime is more violent than you'd expect.

TV New Video Kids' Animation 2012
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 16 parent reviews

Holly R.
Holly R. Parent of 4-year-old
June 30, 2022
age 15+

Death filled anime with cute characters

Dark story full of death and violence. A magical girl character has her head bitten off early on. A cute little alien cat-like creature is actually kind of evil. The whole anime is unsettling. But it’s still a pretty good series. Just not for little kids.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Madoka K.
Madoka K. Adult
December 10, 2018
age 13+

I. LOVE. THIS. SHOW.

Parents, don’t be fooled. This isn’t a light hearted show to show to your kids. Rather, this is one for your teenagers or even yourself. This show has a positive role model in Madoka, and an unlikely one in Homura once her true intentions are revealed. There’s a lot of violence, including one character getting her head eaten and fights between magical girls, and of course, death. By the end of the show, only one girl is alive. The intro has a naked Madoka, but there’s nothing revealing. The most inappropriate language is “s**t”, “b**ch” and “mother-“ but only people who pay close attention will hear their only uses. “D**n” and “a*s” are used more frequently. There is merchandise available, but only if someone looks for it online will they find it. Madoka’s mom drinks sometimes. Overall, this is a good show for any teenager or adult, but don’t show your kids this masterpiece that they can wait until they’re older to fully appreciate!

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, fourteen-year-old Madoka Kaname (voiced by Christine Marie Cabanos) is approached by a strange creature called Kyubey. He tells her that if she makes a contract with him, he will grant her a wish and give her magical powers. But in exchange for her powers, she must fight monsters known as Witches. As Madoka struggles to decide what to wish for, she discovers that the life of a Magical Girl is a tragic one, full of suffering and despair. Is anything she could wish for worth sacrificing her life?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16):
Kids say (93):

This truly special anime defies genre and takes a common idea for girls' anime -- giving teenage girls magical powers to save the world -- but gives it a darker twist. The result is a story more intent on making its audience think than simply providing entertainment.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica's animation style is full of fluid motion and attention to detail that makes it a uniquely pleasurable experience to watch. Every one of the main characters is well developed and its hard not to get attached to them as the story progresses. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing and the overall messages -- including the idea that a normal life might be preferable to a supernatural one -- are powerful.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the tone of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. How do the creators establish a mood or tone for the series? What would make it a different kind of series? How would you change the series, if you could?

  • Talk about how the violence is presented. Does it improve the story? How would the story be different if it was less violent?

  • Talk about symbols in the series. Who do the witches represent? Are there other symbols you recognize?

  • How do the characters in Puella Magi Madoka Magica demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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